Apo E plays an important role in plasma lipoprotein metabolism through its high affinity binding to cell surface LDL receptor. In the present study, we studied the effects of apo E on the atherogenic process in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits which are deficient in LDL receptor and an animal model for familial hypercholesterolemia. We isolated apo E from plasma of 1% cholesterol-fed rabbits and administered 10 mg of purified apo E intravenously into five Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits three times a week from their age of 2.5 months to 11 months for 8.5 months. After sustained administration to apo E, we found a significant reduction in the accumulation of cholesterol ester in aortae (1.55 +/- 0.07 mg/g tissue) as compared to control rabbits (4.32 +/- 0.61 mg/g tissue). Supporting this, the percentage of the surface area of the aorta with macroscopic plaque was remarkably decreased in apo E-treated animals (18.8 +/- 5.1% vs. 38.8 +/- 8.0% in control). Thus, apo E definitely prevented the progression of atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits.
